We're moving to our new place soon!! But it'll be mainly just the 4 walls, the ceiling and the floor.
Yup... there's no TV. No Internet. No phone line. No tables. No chairs. AND NO MATTRESS (for one night, I hope).
It's me and the 4 walls, the floor and the ceiling. I wonder, how would I spend my time in my new home... I don't even know how to sit. Hahaha... well, we'll managed (n_n)/
We're very thankful that we have a place to stay.
And we're super thankful for our friends who have been supporting us and allowing us into their personal abode. And we're very sorry for all the disturbance caused. We felt that we've robbed away their comfort zone and their privacy.
Sorry.
And thanks so much.
You guys have been a great blessing to us. And we prayed that God will continue to shower His blessings onto you guys as well.
And may we be a blessing to you too.
We love you! xoxo
Yesterday, I attempted to cook my mom's dishes again. This time, I rang her up (I'm using a phone card: DayBreak) to get to know in details of the recipe.
Thus, yesterday dinner was:
1) Sweet and sour, tomato sauce, pork chop.
Mom's recipe:
- Pound pork chop like crazy. Marinate with oyster sauce and a bit of sugar, for 30 minutes or more.
- Before pan-frying, coat pork chop with corn floor.
- Pan-fried porkie till golden brown. Take out from pan.
- For the sauce, stir fry some chopped chillies and onions, and some of those peas and corn bits. Then, pour in the ketchup and water. Add sugar to taste. Add a bit of corn floor to thicken the sauce.
The result!!! Yummy porkie chop in sweet and sour tomato sauce!!
2) Stir-fry leek and carrot with minced porkie
Mom's recipe
- Marinate minced pork with soya sauce, oyster sauce and a bit of sugar for 30 minutes or more.
- Stir fry minced pork till cooked.
- Add in chopped leeks. Stir stir stir. Fry fry fry.
- Add in chopped carrots. Stir stir stir. Fry fry fry.
- Add oyster sauce and water. Stir stir stir. Fry fry fry.
- Put on the lid for about 30 sec - 1 minute.
The end result. I kinda overcooked the vege :( That's because I FORGOT about the minced meat!!! I cooked the vege WITHOUT the meat.. Then I have to scoop up all the vege and then start all over again.
3) Steam eggie with minced porkie
Mom's recipe
- Beat 1 salted egg and 2 eggs in a bowl. Add a little of water.
- Pour egg mixture onto bowl with minced pork.
- Heat wok with water. Once the water starts to boil, put in the bowl onto the stand on the wok. Put on the lid.
- Steam for 15 minutes.
- When done, add in some soya sauce and pepper to taste.
This is my SECOND attempt. And the looks is alot better than my first (n_n)/ However, there's no salted egg in my second attempt. So the taste is not as nice as the first.
First attempt. Look at its super rough surface. And the minced meat kinda hard. That's because I pressed it down unto the bowl. Wrong move. Mom said that the minced meat supposed to be light so that the eggs can go in between them.
Second attempt. Hmmm, looks better. But eggs kinda hard. Lack of water. And lack of the salted egg taste.
Dinner is served!
Thus, yesterday dinner was:
1) Sweet and sour, tomato sauce, pork chop.
Mom's recipe:
- Pound pork chop like crazy. Marinate with oyster sauce and a bit of sugar, for 30 minutes or more.
- Before pan-frying, coat pork chop with corn floor.
- Pan-fried porkie till golden brown. Take out from pan.
- For the sauce, stir fry some chopped chillies and onions, and some of those peas and corn bits. Then, pour in the ketchup and water. Add sugar to taste. Add a bit of corn floor to thicken the sauce.
The result!!! Yummy porkie chop in sweet and sour tomato sauce!!
2) Stir-fry leek and carrot with minced porkie
Mom's recipe
- Marinate minced pork with soya sauce, oyster sauce and a bit of sugar for 30 minutes or more.
- Stir fry minced pork till cooked.
- Add in chopped leeks. Stir stir stir. Fry fry fry.
- Add in chopped carrots. Stir stir stir. Fry fry fry.
- Add oyster sauce and water. Stir stir stir. Fry fry fry.
- Put on the lid for about 30 sec - 1 minute.
The end result. I kinda overcooked the vege :( That's because I FORGOT about the minced meat!!! I cooked the vege WITHOUT the meat.. Then I have to scoop up all the vege and then start all over again.
3) Steam eggie with minced porkie
Mom's recipe
- Beat 1 salted egg and 2 eggs in a bowl. Add a little of water.
- Pour egg mixture onto bowl with minced pork.
- Heat wok with water. Once the water starts to boil, put in the bowl onto the stand on the wok. Put on the lid.
- Steam for 15 minutes.
- When done, add in some soya sauce and pepper to taste.
This is my SECOND attempt. And the looks is alot better than my first (n_n)/ However, there's no salted egg in my second attempt. So the taste is not as nice as the first.
First attempt. Look at its super rough surface. And the minced meat kinda hard. That's because I pressed it down unto the bowl. Wrong move. Mom said that the minced meat supposed to be light so that the eggs can go in between them.
Second attempt. Hmmm, looks better. But eggs kinda hard. Lack of water. And lack of the salted egg taste.
Dinner is served!
Joyfully after we picked our car (see: Jazzy Red Batmobile), we drove it back to our friends' place.
We're still unfamiliar with the roads, locations and directions in Melbourne. And we do not have a GPS. Thus, we printed out a map from GoogleMap on the route back.
The route seems simple. Until we got a biiiiit lost around CBD.
Never mind, we remembered the tram route back home. So, all we need to do is to find Flinders Station.
But little did we know, there's no right turn along the road at Flinders Station. So, we went on. And then, we reached a junction where you can make a right turn.
We thought, "Yay! We found our way back!".
HOWEVER... there's CUTE little sign next to the lane that states "TOLL".
uh-oh... we think we're heading towards the toll lane. We better U-turn.
Then... we drove passed an arch with fancy electronic devices on it. I think that's the toll system.
And we have not purchase a toll pass.
...
...
...
Suddenly, I appreciate Malaysia's toll system, where you can pay cash to a human operator.
...
...
...
Nevertheless, guess I have to go to a Post office and register my car and pay for the toll.
We're still unfamiliar with the roads, locations and directions in Melbourne. And we do not have a GPS. Thus, we printed out a map from GoogleMap on the route back.
The route seems simple. Until we got a biiiiit lost around CBD.
Never mind, we remembered the tram route back home. So, all we need to do is to find Flinders Station.
But little did we know, there's no right turn along the road at Flinders Station. So, we went on. And then, we reached a junction where you can make a right turn.
We thought, "Yay! We found our way back!".
HOWEVER... there's CUTE little sign next to the lane that states "TOLL".
uh-oh... we think we're heading towards the toll lane. We better U-turn.
Then... we drove passed an arch with fancy electronic devices on it. I think that's the toll system.
And we have not purchase a toll pass.
...
...
...
Suddenly, I appreciate Malaysia's toll system, where you can pay cash to a human operator.
...
...
...
Nevertheless, guess I have to go to a Post office and register my car and pay for the toll.
Our jazzy red batmobile finally arrived! Hubby took a day off and both of us took a tram to the Honda showroom.
And finally! A car of our own...
However... I'd feel that buying a car in Malaysia is somehow a much better deal. Though, dollar-to-dollar, the cars here are cheaper. But there's some disadvantages.
Cars here come bare! When you buy a car, you buy ONLY A CAR. Those fancy features like rear assist (see: All That Jazz), automatic central locking, door visor, mud guards, etc etc... and even CAR MATS are ADDITIONAL accessories to your car.
Therefore, you have to pay.
@#$%&
And car mats are not cheap.
@#$%&
Anyway, we're thankful to have a car to drive around. It's much easier, especially when we're to shift to our new place soon (YAY!) and lots of massive shopping.
The front...
Sexy back
Dashboard
Side view...
And finally! A car of our own...
However... I'd feel that buying a car in Malaysia is somehow a much better deal. Though, dollar-to-dollar, the cars here are cheaper. But there's some disadvantages.
Cars here come bare! When you buy a car, you buy ONLY A CAR. Those fancy features like rear assist (see: All That Jazz), automatic central locking, door visor, mud guards, etc etc... and even CAR MATS are ADDITIONAL accessories to your car.
Therefore, you have to pay.
@#$%&
And car mats are not cheap.
@#$%&
Anyway, we're thankful to have a car to drive around. It's much easier, especially when we're to shift to our new place soon (YAY!) and lots of massive shopping.
The front...
Sexy back
Dashboard
Side view...
Back in Malaysia, I used to cut my finger nails during the weekend. It's one of those habit you pick up during primary/secondary school days.
At that time, every Monday morning, during the assembly, after the "angkat, turun tangan"... and also the "sedia, baris sedia, senang diri"... and also the repetitive singing of the national anthem and the school song because we sang as softly as the butterflies... and also the "baca ikhrar"... and also the spot checks: shoe checking to make sure it's white, badge and name tag checking to make sure we're wearing school badges and name tags, socks checking to make sure our socks is not too high up, too low, or rolled down, hair checking to make sure it's not too long, not too short, tidy and neat, etc etc etc... and fingernails checking!
At that time, we have to raise our hands with our palms facing down, and the perfects will check our fingernails to make sure that they're short, neat and clean. If they're not, your name will be in the discipline book, you'll have to give your "reason" to the discipline teacher (duh, I lazy/forgot to cut it during the weekend), and a nice hit on the palm from the discipline teacher's rotan.
And thus, the habit of cutting nails during weekend.
Yes, I'm a female. And yes, I would to exhibit feminine qualities. But I prefer my nails to be short and clean.
Anyway... it's been 2-3 weeks since I last cut my fingernails in Melbourne. Why? Because, it's really NOT growing.
*GASP* What's wrong with me?
I did a Google search and found out that, the reason why fingernails are not growing well is due to malnutrition.
*ahem* The amount of food I take is DOUBLE the amount I usually take in Malaysia. I take my main meals (rice, vege, meat) in big portion, then I take fruits (banana, orange, apple), then I take desserts (chocolateeesssssss). And I'm having malnutrition?
You must be kidding?
Last night, I asked my hubby on his nails. And his fingernails are growing slower than usual as well!!
So, therefore, I conclude... Cold weather makes the fingernails grow slower.
(=,=)""
At that time, every Monday morning, during the assembly, after the "angkat, turun tangan"... and also the "sedia, baris sedia, senang diri"... and also the repetitive singing of the national anthem and the school song because we sang as softly as the butterflies... and also the "baca ikhrar"... and also the spot checks: shoe checking to make sure it's white, badge and name tag checking to make sure we're wearing school badges and name tags, socks checking to make sure our socks is not too high up, too low, or rolled down, hair checking to make sure it's not too long, not too short, tidy and neat, etc etc etc... and fingernails checking!
At that time, we have to raise our hands with our palms facing down, and the perfects will check our fingernails to make sure that they're short, neat and clean. If they're not, your name will be in the discipline book, you'll have to give your "reason" to the discipline teacher (duh, I lazy/forgot to cut it during the weekend), and a nice hit on the palm from the discipline teacher's rotan.
And thus, the habit of cutting nails during weekend.
Yes, I'm a female. And yes, I would to exhibit feminine qualities. But I prefer my nails to be short and clean.
Anyway... it's been 2-3 weeks since I last cut my fingernails in Melbourne. Why? Because, it's really NOT growing.
*GASP* What's wrong with me?
I did a Google search and found out that, the reason why fingernails are not growing well is due to malnutrition.
*ahem* The amount of food I take is DOUBLE the amount I usually take in Malaysia. I take my main meals (rice, vege, meat) in big portion, then I take fruits (banana, orange, apple), then I take desserts (chocolateeesssssss). And I'm having malnutrition?
You must be kidding?
Last night, I asked my hubby on his nails. And his fingernails are growing slower than usual as well!!
So, therefore, I conclude... Cold weather makes the fingernails grow slower.
(=,=)""
After dinner (see: Fifth Birthday Pressie), we went for supper at Brunetti.
Ahhh... heaven for sweet-tooth mammals like myself... Every sight, smell, bite is like heaven on earth...
THANK YOU HENNLEY, DEVIN & HUBBY ... again (n_n)/
Look at those cakes, pastries, chocolates... I can't seem to choose...
*Gasp* MORE cakes and pastries and everything sweet and yummy!! So much yummies, so little me...
This is JUST one row of them.
This is what we had (clockwise from top left): Tiramisu, Royale (chocolate and almond cake with dark chocolate mousse), I-can't-remember-but-it's-sure-tasted-very-yummy, strawberry cheese cake.
For more information, location and menu:
Brunetti's website: http://www.brunetti.com.au/
Oh ya. The next day, I had sore throat, followed by mild fever, cough and flu. Too much chocolates for one day :P
Ahhh... heaven for sweet-tooth mammals like myself... Every sight, smell, bite is like heaven on earth...
THANK YOU HENNLEY, DEVIN & HUBBY ... again (n_n)/
Look at those cakes, pastries, chocolates... I can't seem to choose...
*Gasp* MORE cakes and pastries and everything sweet and yummy!! So much yummies, so little me...
This is JUST one row of them.
This is what we had (clockwise from top left): Tiramisu, Royale (chocolate and almond cake with dark chocolate mousse), I-can't-remember-but-it's-sure-tasted-very-yummy, strawberry cheese cake.
For more information, location and menu:
Brunetti's website: http://www.brunetti.com.au/
Oh ya. The next day, I had sore throat, followed by mild fever, cough and flu. Too much chocolates for one day :P
My fifth birthday pressie are from my dear friends (who're STILL hosting us at the moment) and my hubby (n_n)/
We had Italian for dinner. We went to Papa Gino's at Lygon Street for pizzas and pasta!
THANK YOU HENNLEY, DEVIN & HUBBY (n_n)/
The menu... Yummy pizzas and pasta!
The environment. You can see how good is their business, the place is packed with people. Casual dining ambiance. And you can hear lotsa happy people laughing loudly. BWAHAHAHA~
Complimentary bread and butter. The white bread is really soft. Could be better if they toast them with garlic butter.
Seafood marinara spaghetti. Yummy. But wish there were more sauce.
Mexican pizza. Spicy salami with capsicum and ham. Nice!!
Chicken pizza. Lots of crunchy chicken bits and yummy BBQ sauce.
For more information, location and menu:
Papa Gino's website: http://www.papaginos.com.au/
Address and contact:
221 Lygon Street
Carlton, VIC 3053
Melbourne, Australia
Phone: 03 9347 5758
Fax: 03 9347 5757
We had Italian for dinner. We went to Papa Gino's at Lygon Street for pizzas and pasta!
THANK YOU HENNLEY, DEVIN & HUBBY (n_n)/
The menu... Yummy pizzas and pasta!
The environment. You can see how good is their business, the place is packed with people. Casual dining ambiance. And you can hear lotsa happy people laughing loudly. BWAHAHAHA~
Complimentary bread and butter. The white bread is really soft. Could be better if they toast them with garlic butter.
Seafood marinara spaghetti. Yummy. But wish there were more sauce.
Mexican pizza. Spicy salami with capsicum and ham. Nice!!
Chicken pizza. Lots of crunchy chicken bits and yummy BBQ sauce.
For more information, location and menu:
Papa Gino's website: http://www.papaginos.com.au/
Address and contact:
221 Lygon Street
Carlton, VIC 3053
Melbourne, Australia
Phone: 03 9347 5758
Fax: 03 9347 5757
When we're choosing cookware, the only that concerns us the most if the quality of the nonstick cookware.
There were many questions raised regarding the safety of the nonstick cookware, especially in regards of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (also known as C-8). It is a chemical used to bond the nonstick coating to the cookware. This chemical may have link to causing cancer, birth defects, and so on.
So, before buying any cookware, please do some research on the material and chemical used to make the cookware.
Some interesting sites you may want to visit:
- Common Materials of Cookware
- Choosing Nonstick Cookware - Part 1
- Choosing Nonstick Cookware - Part 2
- Is Nonstick Cookware Safe?
- Top 10 Ways to Ruin a Nonstick Pan
There were many questions raised regarding the safety of the nonstick cookware, especially in regards of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (also known as C-8). It is a chemical used to bond the nonstick coating to the cookware. This chemical may have link to causing cancer, birth defects, and so on.
So, before buying any cookware, please do some research on the material and chemical used to make the cookware.
Some interesting sites you may want to visit:
- Common Materials of Cookware
- Choosing Nonstick Cookware - Part 1
- Choosing Nonstick Cookware - Part 2
- Is Nonstick Cookware Safe?
- Top 10 Ways to Ruin a Nonstick Pan
My fourth birthday pressie came from my hubby.
We went to David Jones and bought ourselves knives set and cookware set. It was on sale, so we got it for a good bargain!
Though they're pricier than home brand products, but it's worth it considering that we're going to use it for a very loooooong time. And a big, great motivation for me to cook (n_n)/
The Circulon Infinite cookware set.
And the Mundial 5100 Black knives set
We went to David Jones and bought ourselves knives set and cookware set. It was on sale, so we got it for a good bargain!
Though they're pricier than home brand products, but it's worth it considering that we're going to use it for a very loooooong time. And a big, great motivation for me to cook (n_n)/
The Circulon Infinite cookware set.
And the Mundial 5100 Black knives set
My third birthday pressie is from the church we're currently attending. No, they do not who we are. And no, they do not know that it was my birthday.
They were launching the church new name and extended the number of services to 3 (1 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday). Thus, they were serving finger foods.. such as... chocolates, cakes, pastries, chocolates, mousse, hotdogs, chocolates, salami, biscuits, chocolates, and so on...
And I had sooooooo much chocolates! It's like a dream come true! And there's even chocolate mousse, which I have been craving for a long time. Yummy! (n_n)/
They were launching the church new name and extended the number of services to 3 (1 on Saturday, 2 on Sunday). Thus, they were serving finger foods.. such as... chocolates, cakes, pastries, chocolates, mousse, hotdogs, chocolates, salami, biscuits, chocolates, and so on...
And I had sooooooo much chocolates! It's like a dream come true! And there's even chocolate mousse, which I have been craving for a long time. Yummy! (n_n)/
My second birthday pressie: Grace, Forgiveness and Mercy
It came unexpectedly from a stranger. Given to me in when I do not deserved it the most.
It was my birthday DAY. Sunday. It was also a day we would spend our mornings worshiping God in church. Currently, we're attending Bridge Church in Richmond. My ex-classmate brought us there few weekends ago. And we've been attending the church ever since.
Since we have yet to own a car, we took the tram to church. And for a tram ride, you need a valid tram ticket. Which, I forgot to buy the day before...
I thought I could purchase the ticket at convenience store nearby. But, on this particular Sunday, it was closed.
So, I thought I could purchase it on the tram itself. But the ticket machine on the tram does not have the weekend pass. Hubby suggested to get it at the stop where we're to change tram.
"But what if I got caught without ticket??" My heart pounded.
The tram finally came to a stop. We rushed out. We were late for church. And I still need to buy a tram ticket at the station before I hop onto the next tram.
But, my nightmare had just begun.
"Excuse me, can I see your ticket."
There were officers on the tram station. And as passengers stepped out of the tram, the officers stopped each and every one of them, requesting them to display their tram tickets.
"Oh no... " My heart cried out.
I walked out as fast as possible, hoping not to be caught.
"Excuse me, miss... can I see your ticket please..."
It was too late. I was caught. It was my fault anyway. I didn't have a valid tram ticket. Although I was planning to get it there, I was still breaking the law. I felt so ashamed and aghast with myself. How could I let this happen...
"Can have some identification please, " the lady officer requested.
"Urm... ermm..." my mind tried to think, "This is my Malaysian IC. Will this do?" my hands was shaking as I took out my IC.
"Yup, that will do fine." She took my IC and started writing down the charges and fine.
"Where are going? Why are you in rush?" she questioned.
"Oh... I'm going to church. And I'm kind of late..." I felt so disgusted with myself. Going church and yet breaking the law...
"Tell me, where do you live?"
"I'm staying with a friend at the moment... and her address is...is..." I couldn't think properly. My eyes were hot with tears. My mind was confused and frightened. And my heart is pounding mad. I couldn't recall her address...
"Please hold on, I wrote it somewhere," I took out my pink diary and flipped the pages frantically for the address.
"Oh... here's the address." I showed it to her.
"Let me write this down.... Ok.... and your birth date?" she continued writing down my details.
"It's 12 July..." I said with great disappointment. I was really looking forward to having a fabulous day today. But today started out not as I was hoping for.
"Ok, 3rd July..." she said as she wrote down '03 JULY' on the form.
"No," I held back my tears and corrected her, "It's 12th July... today...".
"Oh... it's your birthday today!" She looked at me with excitement. "Happy Birthday to you!" She let out a warm smile.
"Thanks..." I sighed.
"Well, then," she said, "Go to your church now. Give a testimony for today!"
"Huh??" I got confused.
"Don't worry about this. I'm letting you off today. Go now, give testimony for today," she smiled.
I was so in shock. My tears finally came down running. "I'm so sorry. So sorry.. I wanted to buy the ticket yesterday, but I forgot... and the shop was closed... and... and..." I was sobbing. I couldn't understand what I was saying.
"It's ok now. God bless you" she smiled again.
I was so relieved, though, I was still very much ashamed of myself. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
I hurried to the ticket counter and bought myself the tram ticket. As I was on the next tram to church, I thought to myself how ignorant and unprepared I was. And how much grace, forgiveness and mercy was shown to me despite of that.
It somehow reminded me God. His big wonderful love, grace and mercy. Forgiveness after forgiveness.
But it also reminded me of another thing of God. That He's just, holy and righteous. Though He's abundant with forgiveness, one day, after my very last breathe on earth, I will stand in front of the judgment seat. And there, there will be no more second chances.
I'm very grateful of this day. But, I need to be more prepared, diligent and less ignorant. And I need to be more discipline in that.
Thank you lady officer for letting me go.
And thank you Lord, for everything.
It came unexpectedly from a stranger. Given to me in when I do not deserved it the most.
It was my birthday DAY. Sunday. It was also a day we would spend our mornings worshiping God in church. Currently, we're attending Bridge Church in Richmond. My ex-classmate brought us there few weekends ago. And we've been attending the church ever since.
Since we have yet to own a car, we took the tram to church. And for a tram ride, you need a valid tram ticket. Which, I forgot to buy the day before...
I thought I could purchase the ticket at convenience store nearby. But, on this particular Sunday, it was closed.
So, I thought I could purchase it on the tram itself. But the ticket machine on the tram does not have the weekend pass. Hubby suggested to get it at the stop where we're to change tram.
"But what if I got caught without ticket??" My heart pounded.
The tram finally came to a stop. We rushed out. We were late for church. And I still need to buy a tram ticket at the station before I hop onto the next tram.
But, my nightmare had just begun.
"Excuse me, can I see your ticket."
There were officers on the tram station. And as passengers stepped out of the tram, the officers stopped each and every one of them, requesting them to display their tram tickets.
"Oh no... " My heart cried out.
I walked out as fast as possible, hoping not to be caught.
"Excuse me, miss... can I see your ticket please..."
It was too late. I was caught. It was my fault anyway. I didn't have a valid tram ticket. Although I was planning to get it there, I was still breaking the law. I felt so ashamed and aghast with myself. How could I let this happen...
"Can have some identification please, " the lady officer requested.
"Urm... ermm..." my mind tried to think, "This is my Malaysian IC. Will this do?" my hands was shaking as I took out my IC.
"Yup, that will do fine." She took my IC and started writing down the charges and fine.
"Where are going? Why are you in rush?" she questioned.
"Oh... I'm going to church. And I'm kind of late..." I felt so disgusted with myself. Going church and yet breaking the law...
"Tell me, where do you live?"
"I'm staying with a friend at the moment... and her address is...is..." I couldn't think properly. My eyes were hot with tears. My mind was confused and frightened. And my heart is pounding mad. I couldn't recall her address...
"Please hold on, I wrote it somewhere," I took out my pink diary and flipped the pages frantically for the address.
"Oh... here's the address." I showed it to her.
"Let me write this down.... Ok.... and your birth date?" she continued writing down my details.
"It's 12 July..." I said with great disappointment. I was really looking forward to having a fabulous day today. But today started out not as I was hoping for.
"Ok, 3rd July..." she said as she wrote down '03 JULY' on the form.
"No," I held back my tears and corrected her, "It's 12th July... today...".
"Oh... it's your birthday today!" She looked at me with excitement. "Happy Birthday to you!" She let out a warm smile.
"Thanks..." I sighed.
"Well, then," she said, "Go to your church now. Give a testimony for today!"
"Huh??" I got confused.
"Don't worry about this. I'm letting you off today. Go now, give testimony for today," she smiled.
I was so in shock. My tears finally came down running. "I'm so sorry. So sorry.. I wanted to buy the ticket yesterday, but I forgot... and the shop was closed... and... and..." I was sobbing. I couldn't understand what I was saying.
"It's ok now. God bless you" she smiled again.
I was so relieved, though, I was still very much ashamed of myself. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
I hurried to the ticket counter and bought myself the tram ticket. As I was on the next tram to church, I thought to myself how ignorant and unprepared I was. And how much grace, forgiveness and mercy was shown to me despite of that.
It somehow reminded me God. His big wonderful love, grace and mercy. Forgiveness after forgiveness.
But it also reminded me of another thing of God. That He's just, holy and righteous. Though He's abundant with forgiveness, one day, after my very last breathe on earth, I will stand in front of the judgment seat. And there, there will be no more second chances.
I'm very grateful of this day. But, I need to be more prepared, diligent and less ignorant. And I need to be more discipline in that.
Thank you lady officer for letting me go.
And thank you Lord, for everything.
My very first birthday pressie came as a surprise. It was a few days before my birthday and it caught me by surprise. Wooo Hoooo !! This is what happened...
It was about 9.45am in the morning. And yes, I was STILL sleeping. It was a tiring night! I played Batman Lego Wii with my friend till passed midnight. And besides, I'm still unemployed (sigh!).
Someone rang the door bell from the lobby (we're staying in an apartment). My friend, who was awake and got ready to go to work, pick up the call. She woke me up and told me there's a parcel for either me or hubby waiting downstairs.
So, I got up, reluctantly, changed into jeans (no way I'm wearing my jammies out!) and went to the lobby to collect my parcel.
When the delivery man handed it to me, I was shocked...
It was stated in the box "To Mr. Ken XXXXX".
Then, I thought to myself, "This must be a mistake... that's not my hubby's name".
As I was going to return the parcel to the delivery man, I read on.
"To Mr. Ken XXXXX and Madam Abigail YYYYY".
(@_@) That's my name alright. It there such coincidence another person with my name who is married to Mr. Ken XXXXX ??
Finally, I saw a tiny fine print that states "On behalf of Sue Anne".
OHHHHHHHHHHH.... Sue sent me a parcel!! I opened it and *ta-da* she sent me pressies!! TWO books !! YAY !!
Books as pressies from Sue! "A Lineage of Grace" and "Battlefield of the Mind".
Thanks Sue! Me lurve ya muchie!
It was about 9.45am in the morning. And yes, I was STILL sleeping. It was a tiring night! I played Batman Lego Wii with my friend till passed midnight. And besides, I'm still unemployed (sigh!).
Someone rang the door bell from the lobby (we're staying in an apartment). My friend, who was awake and got ready to go to work, pick up the call. She woke me up and told me there's a parcel for either me or hubby waiting downstairs.
So, I got up, reluctantly, changed into jeans (no way I'm wearing my jammies out!) and went to the lobby to collect my parcel.
When the delivery man handed it to me, I was shocked...
It was stated in the box "To Mr. Ken XXXXX".
Then, I thought to myself, "This must be a mistake... that's not my hubby's name".
As I was going to return the parcel to the delivery man, I read on.
"To Mr. Ken XXXXX and Madam Abigail YYYYY".
(@_@) That's my name alright. It there such coincidence another person with my name who is married to Mr. Ken XXXXX ??
Finally, I saw a tiny fine print that states "On behalf of Sue Anne".
OHHHHHHHHHHH.... Sue sent me a parcel!! I opened it and *ta-da* she sent me pressies!! TWO books !! YAY !!
Books as pressies from Sue! "A Lineage of Grace" and "Battlefield of the Mind".
Thanks Sue! Me lurve ya muchie!
Before we came to Australia, my uni-friends wanted to organize a farewell dinner for me. So, my pregnant friend suggested Nandos.
"Nandos is yummy!" she exclaimed, "and you'll going to miss it... because there is NO Nandos in Australia. So better have your last Nandos meal before you go".
Well, we didn't really have Nandos in the end...
But, I did get a chance to eat Nandos in Melbourne. In fact, there're plenty of Nandos restaurants in Victoria alone.
The sauces
His Nandos meal. Pathetic. I wondered if it's really chicken. I think it's pigeon. And there's only ONE side dish, which does not taste great. Malaysia's Nandos has TWO side dishes. With a BIGGER chicken. And BETTER side dishes. Argh...
She was right... I do miss Malaysia's Nandos...
For location of Nandos in Victoria, kindly visit their website http://www.nandos.com.au/.
"Nandos is yummy!" she exclaimed, "and you'll going to miss it... because there is NO Nandos in Australia. So better have your last Nandos meal before you go".
Well, we didn't really have Nandos in the end...
But, I did get a chance to eat Nandos in Melbourne. In fact, there're plenty of Nandos restaurants in Victoria alone.
The sauces
His Nandos meal. Pathetic. I wondered if it's really chicken. I think it's pigeon. And there's only ONE side dish, which does not taste great. Malaysia's Nandos has TWO side dishes. With a BIGGER chicken. And BETTER side dishes. Argh...
She was right... I do miss Malaysia's Nandos...
For location of Nandos in Victoria, kindly visit their website http://www.nandos.com.au/.
What is it I see? Is that me in front of me?
Tell me, who you claim to be? Me?
How dare! How can you claim that?
I am not you, I am not like that.
But, yes, you are right,
You’re me, alright.
To deny you, I’m really sorry,
My sight was too bleak and murky.
Focusing on the wrong things, I have,
Predicaments and hindrances, I raved.
Staring at each other, I’m ashamed and aghast,
With the truth I wish not want to grasp.
My heart bleak with the person you bear,
Sitting shabbily on a sand-built chair.
Your belt unbuckled, torn and disregarded,
Your breastplate left aside, tarnished and rusted.
You left your feet to bare,
With no shoe to wear.
Your arms too frail for the shield oh so heavy,
You treated your helmet without care or worry.
Your sword left on shelf to flaunt,
Your daily practice left to naught.
Lord, what have I become into today?
A white washed tomb, You once said?
Now stand, I say, stand!
Put on your full armour and stand.
Wipe away those self-pity tears,
Throw away your baggage of ignorance and fear.
And run, I say to you, run!
Focus on the finishing line and run.
Forgive me, oh Lord, please forgive me,
Break me all over again to mold me.
Let me not go astray, I deeply pray,
Bring me back to You, in every way.
Tell me, who you claim to be? Me?
How dare! How can you claim that?
I am not you, I am not like that.
But, yes, you are right,
You’re me, alright.
To deny you, I’m really sorry,
My sight was too bleak and murky.
Focusing on the wrong things, I have,
Predicaments and hindrances, I raved.
Staring at each other, I’m ashamed and aghast,
With the truth I wish not want to grasp.
My heart bleak with the person you bear,
Sitting shabbily on a sand-built chair.
Your belt unbuckled, torn and disregarded,
Your breastplate left aside, tarnished and rusted.
You left your feet to bare,
With no shoe to wear.
Your arms too frail for the shield oh so heavy,
You treated your helmet without care or worry.
Your sword left on shelf to flaunt,
Your daily practice left to naught.
Lord, what have I become into today?
A white washed tomb, You once said?
Now stand, I say, stand!
Put on your full armour and stand.
Wipe away those self-pity tears,
Throw away your baggage of ignorance and fear.
And run, I say to you, run!
Focus on the finishing line and run.
Forgive me, oh Lord, please forgive me,
Break me all over again to mold me.
Let me not go astray, I deeply pray,
Bring me back to You, in every way.
At the current situation I'm in now, I'm somehow overwhelmed with so much burdens and challenges and road blocks. I felt like, things can never get settled down. As if, things will never get better.
Problems after problems. Hardships after hardships. When will this ever ends? Never, I guessed. Until this journey of life is over, it will never end.
This is a hymm I really love. I can't help but to sing the chorus.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Verse 1
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Chorus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Verse 2
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
Verse 3
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Hillsong United did a very good version of the chorus:
Problems after problems. Hardships after hardships. When will this ever ends? Never, I guessed. Until this journey of life is over, it will never end.
This is a hymm I really love. I can't help but to sing the chorus.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Verse 1
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Chorus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Verse 2
Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!
Verse 3
His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!
Hillsong United did a very good version of the chorus:
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y
Happy birthday,
Happy birthday!
I really hope I got the day right,
'Cause my day started out not so bright.
You see, I broke my friend’s jar this morning,
And spilled out all its tea filling.
What am I to do? I feared and flustered frantically,
I felt like a burden to them them, especially.
Anyway, let’s focus on your birthday!
And happy cheers on this special day!
May all your fondest dreams come true,
And may your enjoy the journey and the fulfillment to the full.
May your life be filled with joyfulness and happiness,
And in sorrow, may you choose to focus on the little brightness.
May you be much loved by people (and cats) around,
And may you love people back, plentiful and abound.
Today is your day, and I wish you the very best,
I hope you celebrate it, with a lot of zest.
Happy birthday, my friend, happy birthday,
Happy birthday, I wish you today :)
Dedicated to Wendy, written by myself, after I vacuumed the bits and pieces of broken glass on the floor.
----------------------
Wendy's reply
----------------------
Thank you for helping me when I'm in trouble
Thank you for laughing with me
Thank you for letting me to tease you
Thank you for cheering me up when I'm down
Thank you for sitting next to me in school
Thank you for baking with me
Thank you for walking with me
Thank you for teasing me
Thank you for driving me nuts at times
Thank you for arguing with me
Thank you for singing with me
Thank you for our favourite colour "purple"
Thank you for all great jazz nite outings
Thank you for all the rides u gave me back home
Thank you for being such a good friend
Thank you for remembering my birthday
Thank you for "thinking" of my cats
Thank you for growing up with me and many many more thank you(sss)
---------------
My reply
---------------
Thank you, to you too (n_n)/
Last weekend, we went home-hunting again. We listed 4 units we would love to inspect. Our friends were busy that weekend, so we went hunting by ourselves. We printed out maps from the website and plan our route by train and foot. Due to lack of time to travel from one location to another, we only managed to view only 2 of them. And one of them is a unit which I really, really like (judging from the picture in the website). And true enough, when we inspect my "favourite" unit, we really REALLY like it, a lot.
So, again, we applied for the unit. This time, I took charge of the application. And this is my winning strategy!
Strategy #1 : Pray HARD, really really HARD
Prayer works. This time, we prayed before the inspection. We prayed after the inspection. We prayed after filling up the form. And we prayed during the form submission.
Strategy #2 : Write Grandmother Stories in the Form
I think of our application was rejected because we don't have a financial/rental background in Australia and hubby was the only breadwinner of the family (for the time being). So, this time, I wrote "grandmother stories" of why we do not have a background in Australia, stating we just got migrated here, and I'm currently looking for job.
Strategy #3 : "Kam-Ching" with the Agent (Note: "Kam-Ching" means be friendly)
I woke up early on the following Monday morning. I called up the agent and talk to her politely. I told her that we're new in Melb and we really wish to get a nice unit to rent. And we really LOOOOVE the unit we saw last weekend. I wanted to be super friendly to her, but I was kinda sickish. So, my conversation with her was kinda blur.
Strategy #4 : It's all about the MONEY $$$
If you can't beat them, out-bid them! There were 8 applications altogether for the unit. And we really love it. It's difficult to find a unit we both love. And it's difficult to go through the cycle of rejection-inspection-application-rejection. The price was within our budget. So, I increased the rent per week a little, which was STILL within our budget (though it's kinda at the border of our budget).
Strategy #5 : Pray HARD!!
Oh... did I mention, that prayer works??
Strategy #6 : PANIC!!
Ok, this is not really a good strategy. But I did panic and got stressed up whilst waiting for approval.
So, after loads of inspections and applications and rejections, our application is SUCCESSFUL at last! The agent called me and schedule a time with us to discuss on the contracts and stuff.
And thus, the following day, we went to the agent's office. Signed some contracts. Paid the initial deposits. And it's official, we got ourselves our OWN HOME!
Though, I'm still stressed up a little. We can only move in next month. And I really do not wish to bother my friends so long. I felt that we're robbing their privacy and comfort. Sigh... I really hope they'll forgive me... and this period to end fast...
So, again, we applied for the unit. This time, I took charge of the application. And this is my winning strategy!
Strategy #1 : Pray HARD, really really HARD
Prayer works. This time, we prayed before the inspection. We prayed after the inspection. We prayed after filling up the form. And we prayed during the form submission.
Strategy #2 : Write Grandmother Stories in the Form
I think of our application was rejected because we don't have a financial/rental background in Australia and hubby was the only breadwinner of the family (for the time being). So, this time, I wrote "grandmother stories" of why we do not have a background in Australia, stating we just got migrated here, and I'm currently looking for job.
Strategy #3 : "Kam-Ching" with the Agent (Note: "Kam-Ching" means be friendly)
I woke up early on the following Monday morning. I called up the agent and talk to her politely. I told her that we're new in Melb and we really wish to get a nice unit to rent. And we really LOOOOVE the unit we saw last weekend. I wanted to be super friendly to her, but I was kinda sickish. So, my conversation with her was kinda blur.
Strategy #4 : It's all about the MONEY $$$
If you can't beat them, out-bid them! There were 8 applications altogether for the unit. And we really love it. It's difficult to find a unit we both love. And it's difficult to go through the cycle of rejection-inspection-application-rejection. The price was within our budget. So, I increased the rent per week a little, which was STILL within our budget (though it's kinda at the border of our budget).
Strategy #5 : Pray HARD!!
Oh... did I mention, that prayer works??
Strategy #6 : PANIC!!
Ok, this is not really a good strategy. But I did panic and got stressed up whilst waiting for approval.
So, after loads of inspections and applications and rejections, our application is SUCCESSFUL at last! The agent called me and schedule a time with us to discuss on the contracts and stuff.
And thus, the following day, we went to the agent's office. Signed some contracts. Paid the initial deposits. And it's official, we got ourselves our OWN HOME!
Though, I'm still stressed up a little. We can only move in next month. And I really do not wish to bother my friends so long. I felt that we're robbing their privacy and comfort. Sigh... I really hope they'll forgive me... and this period to end fast...
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